Verstappen's Clash, Horner's Exit Among F1's Most-Read Stories of 2025

The 2025 Formula 1 season, one of the longest on record, was defined by off-track drama that captivated audiences as much as the on-track battle for the championship. A review of the year's most-read stories reveals a fanbase deeply engaged with shock sackings, intense driver market speculation, and a surprise title fight that went down to the wire.

Why it matters:

This list highlights that modern F1 fandom extends far beyond race results. The most popular stories involved power struggles, technical ingenuity, and the raw emotions of drivers, proving that the human and political narratives are just as critical to the sport's appeal as the racing itself.

The details:

• Horner's Shock Exit: The sudden mid-season removal of team principal Christian Horner from Red Bull was a massive story, underscoring the high-stakes environment within the top teams.
• Verstappen's Abu Dhabi Reaction: Max Verstappen's angry response to a press conference question about a costly earlier race moment became the most-read story, highlighting the intense pressure of the title fight.
• 2026 Engine Loophole: A technical controversy emerged as Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains reportedly found a potential loophole in the new 2026 regulations, promising a significant performance advantage.
• McLaren's Technical Edge: Early insights into McLaren's 'clever' brake design, which gave them a crucial early-season advantage, were of huge interest to fans keen on technical details.
• Title Fight Drama: Stories dissecting the pivotal moments of the Norris-Verstappen championship battle, including team order debates and on-track overtakes, consistently ranked highly.

The big picture:

The 2025 season's most-engaged-with content paints a picture of a sport at its most compelling. It was a year where a shocking managerial change, a fierce championship rivalry, and innovative technical breakthroughs created a perfect storm of narratives, reminding everyone that F1 is a multifaceted spectacle where every element, from the paddock politics to the pit wall strategy, contributes to the show.